Monday, July 02, 2007
Dated : 02072007Christian perspectives on homosexuality.
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Rev, Dr Yap Kim Hao serves in the Free Community Church (www.freecomchurch.org) which counts many gays and lesbians as members.
He has been a pastor of the Methodist churches in Malaysia and Singapore and served as its first Asian Bishop in 1968-73.
"Homosexuality is not a prominent Biblical concern.
The earliest ethical codes of the Hebrews makes no mention of homosexual behavior.
There is nothing about it in the Ten Commandments.
The four Gospels record no saying of Jesus on the subject.
The texts that are discussed are few and far between and not even all of these are pertinent."
As Christians refer to this common source of the Bible, those who are anti-gay are quick to say that the Bible says so and then close the Book.
And the controversial issue of homosexuality is no longer discussed.
The teaching of the Bible leads to the teaching of the Church which then becomes official, and obedience is demanded.
The different perspectives arise from the differing interpretation of the words of the Bible and the teachings of the Church and its pronouncements change as we gain more knowledge and insights.
The medical sciences today acknowledge homosexuality as a sexual orientation, not a medical, psychological or psychiatric condition that can be changed therapeutically.
From my perspective, homosexuality is within the purpose of God in creation.
There is a continuum of sexual relationships from heterosexualilty to homosexuality.
God has made it possible for each individual to be unique and different and I affirm the diversity in God’s creation.
Homosexuality is a given and not a choice.
Homosexuality is therefore a gift from God to be accepted.
It is not a result of human sin or the fallen nature because of Adam.
We all have, by the grace of God, to live out the purposes of God, straight or gay, for we are all created by God.
*Check This Out *
[An article i saw at one of gf's good friend's blog.]
chr|s on 3:15 PM
